Aryna Sabalenka comes up clutch for Team Kites at World Tennis League, seals Super Shootout Tiebreak over Elena Rybakina
OtherFriday, 22 December 2023 at 16:27
Aryna Sabalenka anchored Team Kites to the top of the table in the World Tennis League on the opening day and it is the World Number Two again who has provided the antidote, this time in downing The Falcons with Elena Rybakina wondering what could've been after losing a winning position against the World Number Two.
It was a 33-30 win for Team Kites as Sabalenka and co continued from their opening win against Team Eagles who will face Team Hawks shortly in the second battle of the day. Team Kites now move onto 2-0 albeit Team Falcons are now in second due to points accrued over victories as is the quirk of World Tennis League action.
Falcons dominate doubles but come unstuck in singles action
In the first three matches, doubles were the name of the game and Team Falcons got an early lead dominating proceedings. In Match One, Sorana Cirstea and Elena Rybakina (Falcons) defeated Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka (Kites) narrowly 7-6 (2) and it was the exact same mirroring scoreline for Taylor Fritz and Sumit Nagal (Falcons) in the Men's Doubles that followed as they took down Grigor Dimitrov and Lloyd Harris (Kites).
Harris interestingly was a late replacement as Stefanos Tsitsipas who last month could barely get out of bed due to injury troubles seemingly couldn't play and was instead sat on the bench as the South African was the late stand-in. This was also the case for the mixed doubles as Tsitsidosa was only a one day thing on the court as Harris teamed with Badosa for Kites in a losing effort to Falcons duo Sorana Cirstea and Taylor Fritz.
But this is where it came unstuck for Falcons as they lost technically three singles matches in a row including the super shootout tie-break in order to spurn the tie. Fritz (Falcons) who lost easily yesterday to Casper Ruud in his singles tie was eased past by Dimitrov 6-3.
Rybakina spurns big opportunity as Sabalenka takes full advantage
Before the big tie as Aryna Sabalenka saw off Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka for Kites came back from 5-2 down as Rybakina lost 7-6 in the end to set up the tie-break. The World Number Two levelled the match at 30-30 and a super shootout was prepared to decide the winning team. After saying she was rubbish at dancing before the 50 Cent concert yesterday, she showed off her moves on court as she won the tie-break 10-6 to secure the win for her team. What could've been for Rybakina's Falcons and Sabalenka's Kites continue to move on.
Results - Kites def. Falcons 33-30
Sorana Cirstea/Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 7-6(2) Paula Badosa/Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Taylor Fritz/Sumit Nagal (Falcons) 7-6(2) Grigor Dimitrov/Lloyd Harris (Kites)
Sorana Cirstea/Taylor Fritz (Falcons) 7-5 Paula Badosa/Lloyd Harris (Kites)
Taylor Fritz (Falcons) 3-6 Grigor Dimitrov (Kites)
Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 6-7 (5) Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 0-1 (6-10) Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Super shootout winning bonus adds 0-2 to Kites scoreline meaning 30-33 win
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
Loading
